So, the finishing touches of your kitchen design begin. Your cabinets have been installed, plumbing has been set up, and your sparkly new kitchen sink is sitting at the center of your kitchen island, waiting to be connected to your brand-new countertop.
I’ve flipped and designed a couple of homes in my lifetime, and by far, choosing a countertop to match the overall design in my kitchen was one of my favorite parts. However, there are many things to consider when choosing this beautiful slab. Once you establish your budget, consider how often these countertops will be used and how often they would get wet. You’ll want a material that lasts and fits the needs of your family.
Granite
Granite is probably the most commonly used material for countertops. Not only is it very strong and durable – it also adds tremendous value to your home. There are also so many colors to choose from, making it easy to find a slab that matches the vibe you’re going for in your home.
This material is usually more expensive than other options and requires more maintenance. Granite is very porous and prone to staining, so you’ll have to seal it regularly to avoid stains and watermarks.
Soapstone
Soapstone is becoming more popular as it’s used commonly in modern homes and historic homes. Its antique look draws the eye and makes it a huge focal point in your kitchen. It’s a great choice as it has stain-resistant properties. It’s also quite durable with heat. However, if any damage does occur to this beautiful stone, it can be easily sanded down to look good as new.
Don’t use this material if you’re picky with color, as soapstone does darken overtime. Like granite, you must regularly seal this type of countertop to protect it and keep it lasting long.
Marble
For an entirely unique look, go with marble as no two slabs are exactly the same. This natural stone has a super high price tag and not often used in kitchens – it stains and scratches more easily than other stones. However, this material is waterproof and heatproof. Marble, similar to granite, will add a lot of value to your home.
If you won’t be using this in your kitchen, I highly recommend using it in your laundry room.
Quartz
Another common stone used in the kitchen is quartz, an engineered alternative to granite and marble. It’s prone to staining and scratching, and since it’s engineered, comes in a wide variety of colors – some even looking like exact copies of marble.
While this stone is super heavy, it’s easy to maintain. Unlike the other stones mentioned above, quartz doesn’t require any staining, making it perfect for busy households.
Wood
Wood or butcher block offers a rustic, beautiful look to your kitchen. It can be easily installed and can be sanded and resealed or restrained to easily change its appearance.
However, this countertop can be easily scratched and damaged by water. If not properly maintained, bacteria can live in this countertop – it’s important to clean this material regularly!
Concrete
Last, but not least, concrete makes a great choice, especially for industrial-styled homes. These countertops can be textured and colored, making it a unique and versatile choice for your kitchen.
Concrete is heat and scratch resistant, but cracking is inevitable and will occur. You’ll also need to regularly seal this material as it’s highly porous.
Once you decide on a material and it’s color, your countertop will be beautifully installed in your home, ready for you to use and enjoy. Contact Cross Custom Homes to talk about all the possibilities in building your dream kitchen.
